CineMart 2011: First Art For Wisit Sasanatieng's Indie Boxing Drama SURIYA

Though many responded to Tears of the Black Tiger director Wisit Sasanatieng's recent announcement that he was quitting studio filmmaking with fear that he was quitting altogether that couldn't be further from the truth. He just wants to get back to making films his way, retaining full control of the process, and the film he'd like to make next has been selected to the CineMart - the coproduction market of the International Film Festival Rotterdam - where Sasanatieng will be seeking out interested co-producers and financiers.

Titled Suriya the film is based on the true story of Suriya Lukthung, a hard drinking, hard whoring muay thai fighter who had success in the ring far beyond what his wiry frame should have sustained and lived life to the fullest before being taken down not by a ring opponent but by syphilis and chronic alcohol abuse.

The story of such a larger than life character seems perfectly suited to Sasanatieng's larger than life style. Hopefully this one finds the backing it needs.